Guru Poornima takes place during the full moon in July each year in which the connection with one’s source of inspiration in life is celebrated, reinforced and highlighted. A guru is someone who emulates to us how to live life in accordance with the natural laws of auspiciousness, truth and beauty. Auspiciousness is feeling the force of the divine in your life, recognizing and experiencing grace. Truth is walking the path with courage to face yourself. Beauty is the outcome of effort and grace, it is the culmination of perfection in action, excellence in character – what the guru embodies. Having a guru doesn’t mean that I no longer have a mind, personality, ego, decisions to make or a life
The sun salutation sequence is a dynamic series of yoga postures which when combined with breath awareness and concentration forms a powerful matrix of rhythm, form and energy. The 12 postures that make up the sequence relate to the different phases of the sun as it moves through a day reminding us of the continual flux and flow of energy which influences our thinking, feelings and behaviour. Surya Namaskara is a complete yogic workout as it contains pranayama when breathing consciously with movements and also meditation when focusing on the different energy centres related to each posture. It is straightforward to learn, easy to remember and there are modified versions of it that make it ac
The hatha yoga practice of gently cleansing the nasal passages with warm saline water is simple to do and highly effective. At this time of the year when coughs and colds are upon us nasal washing known as neti can bring instant relief to cold symptoms and as work as a preventative measure by strengthening the respiratory system. I’ve been doing this practice for years and continue to use it regularly to create optimal conditions for my pranayama practice but also to relieve sinus congestion due to excess mucus when I have a cold. Other benefits have been relief from headaches and removing sleepiness in the morning as you feel energizing effects immediately. A lota (small pot with a lon